Arboricultural Definitions

What’s the difference between a Tree Surgeon and an Arborist?

Tree surgeon, Arborist, BS 5837, Arb method statement – You may be confused by some of the terms you have heard or been asked for by your local council. To help you I have compiled a brief list of definitions of some of the more common terms you may hear through your project

Arboricultural Definitions

Arboriculture

The cultivation, management, and study of trees and other perennial woody plants. The science of arboriculture studies how plants grow and respond to cultural practices and to their environment.

Arborist/Arboriculturist

An individual engaged in the profession of arboriculture who, through experience, education, and training, possesses the competence to perform the management of trees.

Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)

A study to assess the impacts to trees caused by construction or demolition. It helps ensure that sensible decisions are made regarding which trees are most suitable for retention and how they may sit in the development.

Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)

A statement to detail how construction should be carried out where it is required within a trees’ root protection area or where it has potential to cause death or damage to a retained tree.

A British Standard providing guidance and recommendations for those involved in projects where trees are nearby and may be impacted.

Construction Exclusion Zone (CEZ), Tree Protection Fencing (TPF)

The construction exclusion zone is usually based on the RPA of a tree or its crown, whichever is larger. It should be fenced with a robust barrier so that tree damage can be avoided and soil structure preserved. The locations of tree protection fencing and construction exclusion zones are commonly shown on a Tree Protection Plan.

Root Protection Area (RPA)

An area around a tree to aid design layouts. It is regarded as being the minimum area required for the tree to maintain viability and so is an extremely important element of the design phase. The RPA’s of retained trees should be fenced to form a construction exclusion zone during development.

Topographical Survey

A detailed survey carried out by a land surveyor using precision instruments. It details accurate positions of features on a site such as buildings, trees, services and roads.

Tree Constraints Plan (TCP)

A plan drafted using data collected during the tree survey. It aims to help design layouts by detailing the quality category, (as defined in BS5837), root protection areas and crown spread of trees. Tree locations are usually based upon positions shown on a topographical survey.

Tree Protection Plan (TPP)

A plan which is drafted after the tree constraints plan and arboricultural impact assessment have been carried out and design has been agreed. It shows retained trees, their construction exclusion zones and tree protection fence locations. Details of an arboricultural method statement and any special precautions or engineering methods can also be shown on the tree protection plan.

Tree Surgeon

A tree surgeon is typically someone who is trained in the physical pruning and removal of trees.